Wraith - Revelation (2017)

The history of England's Wraith dates back to 1987, but apparently, as of the last 20 years, they like to release a studio album every ten years. Their last album was 2007's Evolution. They arrive with a new and fifth album, Revelation with guitarist Greg Russell the only original member and with new vocalist in Ryan Coggin. The skinny on the Coggin acquisition is that he was offered the vocal job for Ratt, after Stephen Pearcy left, but choose Wraith instead.

Which also gives you one small clue to what Wraith 5.0 sounds like. They sound like Ratt. Maybe a combination of Ratt and Motley Crue, with perhaps a touch of Poison, even some Def Leppard. Yeah, Wraith delivers classic Sunset Strip, hair and sleaze, melodic hard rock with strong metal edge. They do this with often fast-paced tunes loaded with strong hard rock rhythm and groove. The metal edge comes mostly from the sharp twin guitar assault. Simply put Revelation is guitar forward album. After twin guitar riffage and harmony, solos fly like fireworks in every song. As for Coggin, he has the perfect voice the Wraith sound and perhaps the songs were written to his timbre. Moreover he sings clean and melodic, staying strong and never overextending his range.

As for the songs, the aforementioned Wraith sound description is the essential formula for every song with some differences among them. Both Lifeline and Invasion begin with a motorcycle guitar riff intro ala Motely Crue, among others. Hunted, the bonus track, begins with an acoustic start which is quickly swarmed over by electric riffage. Into The Fire rips into a guitar solo straight from the gate and then develops into some catchy melodic metal with a great rock groove. The same could be said for Dream Steeler, another groove monster with big riffs and a catchy refrain. Actually, the song reminds me of a Primal Fear song, especially in that chorus. The only ballad comes with Leaving Me Again, and it's fine one. 1987 deja vu all over again.

Bottom line? With Revelation, Wraith marks a strong return to form for the band, delivering classic Sunset Strip, hair and sleaze, melodic heavy metal with some killer groove. Hopefully we won't have to wait another ten years for a follow up album. Easily recommended. ~ Craig Hartranft

Ryan Coggin – Vocals
Gregg Russell – Guitars (Concrete Sox, ex-Deuce, Tigertailz)
Dieter Schänzer – Guitars
Jay Graham – Drums (Ravenscreed, Tony Iommi)

Guests:
Pete Way – Bass (UFO)
Kim Nielsen – Bass (Phantom Blue, Asia)
Steevi Jaimz – Backing Vocals (Tigertailz)
Tony Mills – Backing Vocals (SHY, T.N.T)
produced and mixed by Neil Kernon (Dokken, Qeensryche, Shy)
mastered by Andy Sneap (Accept, Kreator, Machine Head, Megadeth)


Track List:
1 Lifeline 3:46
2 Dream Steeler 3:23
3 Into The Fire 3:29
4 Under The Hammer 4:26
5 Leaving Me Again 4:58
6 No Respect 4:37
7 Invasion 4:50
8 Revelation 0:31
9 Human Eater 4:24
10 Hunted 4:55


All thanks go to the rd

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